Issachar, Son of Jacob
Before his death, Jacob gathered his sons to him and gave them each a blessing that specifically reflected their personalities and their futures. To Issachar, Leah’s fifth son, Jacob…
Dan, Son of Jacob
Rachel had Jacob’s heart, Leah had his children. For four long years, Rachel watched her sister give birth to son after son until she could bear it no longer. Frustrated but determined,…
Identify Spiritual Pursuits for Children on Shabbat
In addition to sumptuous food, and playing with friends, it behooves those responsible for children to identify spiritual pursuits for them on Shabbat as well, be they prayers, or Torah…
Take Your Children To Synagogue
Be a positive Jewish role model and bring your children to synagogue this Shabbat.
Shabbat Children’s Choir
If you are sharing a Shabbat meal with children, find some easy songs to sing with them to help them experience the joys of Shabbat. (Here are some cute ideas.)
Sabbath Prayers: Birkat Ha’banim/Blessing the Children
On Friday nights, it is traditional for parents to give special blessings to their children. There are different blessings for boys and girls, but they share the same concluding verses:…
Vayishlach 5776-2015
“Jacob Tarries in Succot” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Vayishlach, Jacob sends messengers ahead of him to Esau, his brother, to the land of Seir to…
For the Children
Dedicate some of your philanthropic funds to supporting orphans and chldren in need.
Vayeitzei 5774-2013
"Jacob Separates from Laban" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This coming week’s parasha, parashat Vayeitzei, recounts the trials and experiences of Jacob during the twenty years that he…
Reuben, Son of Jacob
Our forefather Jacob’s departing words to his firstborn son were: “Reuben, you are my firstborn, my strength and my initial vigor, foremost in rank and foremost in power. Water-like…